You can find samples of these papers in California Forms of Pleading and Practice, at the Law Library. You must fill out an Answer, serve the plaintiff, and file your Answer form with the court.Generally, this is due within 30 days after you were served. The term "pleading paper" is often used to describe the format of a document that is filed with the Court when a premade form is not available. This document outlines the requirements for filing pleading papers in the Santa Clara County Superior Court. You should fill this out, bring it to court with you and document your income. How do I fill this out? Filing a response is an important first step for any defendant in a civil lawsuit. By filing a response, you establish that you are contesting the case. A responsive pleading to a complaint or cross-complaint must be filed and served within thirty (30) days of service of the complaint or cross-complaint.